Los Angeles County is big. In fact, it’s four times the area of the entire State of Rhode Island. Nonetheless, anyone familiar with our area knows that land here does not grow on trees. We are, after all, over 10 million residents. Land is scarce. It’s most...

Sometimes adding a deck to the second story of a home is just the right thing to do. There are, to be sure, a few compelling reasons for this step. For example, houses built on steep slopes. Second story decks, in fact , are sometimes the only possible decks....

In Part One of this walk through a deck project, the Los Angeles deck builder and client reached full and informed agreement on the design and costs. Both parties signed a contract with full hearts and confidence. Before any building can begin, however, there are...

Deck or patio? Of course, we know they’re different, decks and patios. But how different? What’s the big deal? They’re flat, solid, outdoor platforms. We can put furniture and fixtures on them. They both make it possible to enjoy our outdoor space without getting our...

In Southern California, of course, our incomparable climate and terrain beg us to live out of doors. Hence, our yards are very much a part of our home’s living space. There are, after all, plenty of outdoor upgrades that make those spaces more attractive and more...